Innocenzo Cybo facts for kids
Innocenzo Cibo (born August 25, 1491 – died April 13, 1550) was an Italian cardinal and archbishop. Cardinals are important leaders in the Catholic Church, just below the Pope. An archbishop is a senior bishop who leads a large area of churches.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Innocenzo Cibo was born in Florence, Italy, on August 25, 1491. His family, the Cibo family, was from Genoa. They bought citizenship in Florence in 1488.
His father was Franceschetto Cibo. Franceschetto was the son of Giovanni Battista Cibo, who later became Pope Innocent VIII (1484–1492). This made Innocenzo the grandson of a Pope!
Innocenzo's mother was Maddalena de' Medici. She was the daughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent, a very powerful ruler of Florence. Maddalena's brother, Giovanni de' Medici, became Pope Leo X (1513–1520). Another cousin, Giulio de' Medici, became Pope Clement VII (1523–1534).
Because of his family, Innocenzo grew up around the powerful Medici court. When his uncle Giovanni became Pope Leo X in 1513, it brought many benefits to the Cibo family.
Becoming a Cardinal and Archbishop
Pope Leo X quickly promoted his nephew, Innocenzo. On March 17, 1513, the same day he became a bishop, Innocenzo was made a Protonotary Apostolic. This is a high-ranking position in the Pope's administration.
Just a few months later, on September 23, 1513, Pope Leo X made Innocenzo a cardinal. He was given the title of cardinal deacon. Later, in 1520, his uncle also made him the archbishop of Genoa.
Innocenzo held many important church positions. He was in charge of several bishoprics, which are areas led by a bishop. These included St Andrews in Scotland and Marseille in France. He usually held these roles for short periods.
Important Church Events
In December 1520, Innocenzo took part in a special meeting called a Conclave. This is where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope. Even though he was sick, Innocenzo almost became Pope himself! He received many votes from younger cardinals.
In 1522, the King of France, Francis I, appointed him as an Abbot. This was likely to strengthen France's influence among the cardinals.
In 1524, Innocenzo was made a Legate for Bologna and Romagna. This meant he represented the Pope in these regions. In 1529 and 1530, he hosted both Emperor Charles V and Pope Clement VII in Bologna. He also participated in the Emperor's coronation ceremony.
Later Life and Influence
Before the Sack of Rome in 1527, Innocenzo found safety in Massa Carrara.
In 1532 and 1533, his cousin Pope Clement VII sent Cardinal Cibo to govern Florence. This happened while Duke Alessandro de' Medici was away. Innocenzo was also one of four cardinals chosen to carry out Pope Clement's will after his death.
After Clement's death, Innocenzo hoped to become Pope again. However, Pope Paul III was elected instead. Innocenzo then decided to return to Florence. But his relationship with the new Grand Duke, Cosimo I de' Medici, became difficult. So, he moved back to Massa Carrara in 1540.
Two years later, he was given the title of Cardinal Protector of Germany. This showed his loyalty to the Holy Roman Emperor.
Innocenzo returned to Rome in 1549 for another Conclave after Pope Paul III died. Pope Julius III was elected. As the senior cardinal deacon, Innocenzo Cibo had the honor of crowning Pope Julius III on February 22, 1550.
Innocenzo Cibo died on April 13, 1550, at the age of 59. He had been a cardinal for 37 years. He was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, near the tombs of his uncle Pope Leo X and his cousin Pope Clement VII.
Images for kids
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Innocenzo Cybo (right), together with Giulio de' Medici (left), and Pope Leo X (center).
See also
In Spanish: Innocenzo Cybo para niños
